Work permit holders who apply for PR can keep working in Canada with BOWP, when they are still waiting for IRCC’S decision on their application.
Now there is no need for the BOWP application to be done within four months of the expiry date of the work permit. Individuals, whose status has expired and are allowed to restore their status can also apply for BOWP.
What Is Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
A bridging open work permit (BOWP) lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application.
You may be eligible if you applied to one of the permanent residence programs below:
– Permanent residence using Express Entry
– Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
– Quebec skilled workers
– Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
– Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
– Agri-food Pilot
2025 Update: Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Changes
This year, the rules around Bridging Open Work Permits received some meaningful tweaks, making it easier for more people to stay in the workforce while waiting for permanent residence.
No More Four-Month Cutoff
The old requirement that forced people to apply within four months of their work permit expiring? That’s gone. Now, if your permit has already run out but you’re still eligible to restore your status, you can still apply for a BOWP. It’s a change that gives people more breathing room—especially those who may have missed that earlier window.
Expired Status? You’re Not Automatically Out
Letting your permit lapse no longer shuts the door completely. If your status can be restored and your permanent residence application has passed the completeness check, you’re still in the running. This means more applicants—who might otherwise have had to stop working—can stay on the job legally.
Still the Same Steps, Just with More Wiggle Room
The way you apply hasn’t really changed. Applications are still made online. You’ll select “open work permit,” upload your acknowledgment letter from IRCC, and pay the required fees. The difference now is the timing—less rigid, more forgiving.
Maintained Status Still Applies
If you send in your BOWP application before your current permit expires, you get to keep working under the same conditions while you wait for a decision. Nothing new there, but it’s still one of the better aspects of the program—it keeps the gap between permits from turning into a forced work stoppage.
Why choose us?
We have been helping many applicants to become permanent residents for years and we have a high success rate. Our clients from almost 20 different countries have experienced this with us and you can be the next successful one. We know how to prepare documents and how to make your immigration process smooth and easy for you. Contact us HERE to start the process today!
If you are not a Canadian Permanent Resident yet and you are not sure what the best way for you to immigrate to Canada is, please fill out our assessment form HERE and we will get back to you with your possible options.
